Syrian army retakes key post in Latakia

Syrian army troops have recaptured a key position in coastal Latakia province, state television said, as rebels press on with a campaign in the region.

“Syrian army units have full control of Observatory 45 in the north of Latakia province and are continuing to pursue terrorist groups,” the state broadcaster said, quoting the military on Monday, according to the AFP news agency.

Observatory 45 is a strategic hilltop that overlooks several areas inhabited by residents from the Alawite community, the religious sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs.

State television reported live from near the site and broadcast pictures of dead bodies it said were “terrorists,” many of them foreigners.